Shikata-san is a huge fan of tailored clothing and has even traveled overseas to order a suit. As he comes into contact with and styles countless suits and jackets for work, he began to have an idea of what an ideal suit would look like. The blazer he named "Thames"is the embodiment of that idea.

The theme was"the perfect fusion of classic and relaxed."Development began with the aim of creating a blazer that can be worn both dressy and casually, and that is traditional yet modern. The inspiration for this design was British jackets from the early 1900s. When the buttons are unbuttoned, the unique silhouette forms a gentle A-line, and the hem is designed to flare out naturally to the left and right. Furthermore, the shoulder line is designed to gently slop, expressing a casual sense of relaxation.

The left one is made of classic hopsack wool. We are particular about British materials and pursue high-quality basics. The right one is made of linen and cotton, a new material this season. It has a smooth, dry touch and is perfect for spring and summer. We deliberately chose shell buttons for a light finish.

Right: Thames (linen/cotton) ¥57,200 (BRITISH MADE)
Left: Thames (wool hopsack) ¥73,700 (BRITISH MADE)

First, let's start with a styling example for this season, featuring a new linen-cotton blazer.

"The navy blazer is a complex item, and even a slight change in color can make a big difference in the impression it gives. This linen cotton "Thames" is a slightly lighter navy than the classic wool hopsack. It has a much lighter feel, making it perfect for spring and summer.

Navy and white are a colour combination that symbolises spring and summer. It's a style that I also wear every season, and the key here is the tone of the white. Pairing it with pure white for a clear contrast will give you a traditional look, but if you want to create a more modern atmosphere, I recommend pairing it with a slightly toned off-white. This outfit puts that into practice. It gives off a more relaxed feel overall than a dark navy blazer and pure white pants, which is what makes it so modern. I added a little twist to the look by wearing a Plymouth officer's shirt with a long back for the inner layer," says Shikata.

Jacket: Thames (linen/cotton) tax included ¥57,200 (BRITISH MADE)
Shirt: Officer Shirt / Plymouth Tax included ¥19,800 (BRITISH MADE)
Pants: Officer pants / Portsmouth (cotton drill) tax included ¥28,600 (BRITISH MADE)
Shoes: Howard, tax included ¥92,400 (JOSEPH CHEANEY)

Next, Shikata explained how to wear the classic wool hopsack brand "Thames" in a way that's in line with the current season.

"When you think about making basic items fresh, you might think it would be better to combine them with some unusual items, but there's no need to think too hard about it. It's the basics that can be updated just by changing the balance a little. For example, this styling is a very authentic combination of a blazer, blue shirt, and grey pants. However, the pants have a wide silhouette from St. Ives, which brings in a subtle freshness. Although they are wide, they are not overly loose, so I think they can be used in business situations as well.

The key point is that the shirt that matches the innerwear is a slightly darker blue than the standard sax blue. It also enhances the British impression, creating a simple yet memorable coordination."

Jacket: Thames (wool hopsack) tax included ¥73,700 (BRITISH MADE)
Shirt: Dress shirt / London tax included ¥19,800 (BRITISH MADE)
Belt: Long ribbon belt, tax included ¥17,600 (GLENROYAL)
Pants: Dress wide pants / St. Ives tax included ¥39,600 (BRITISH MADE)
Shoes: Hudson, tax included ¥92,400 (JOSEPH CHEANEY)